One of the longest-running traditions at Arkansas Tech University will continue on Saturday when Tech hosts its 2012 Family Day celebration.

Originally known as Dad’s Day, Family Day has been a part of the annual calendar at Arkansas Tech since 1924.

Eighty-eight years later, Family Day remains an opportunity for parents and other family members to see how their college student is adapting to life at Arkansas Tech.

“Success in college is dependent upon a variety of factors, and one of the most important is for students to have a strong support network,” said Susie Nicholson, vice president for student services and university relations at Arkansas Tech. “Family Day is our way of saying thank you to the mothers, fathers, grandparents and other family members who provide that support network.”

Following a day full of events for Tech students and their family members (visit www.atu.edu/parents/familyday.php for a complete schedule), Family Day activities for the general public will commence at 3 p.m. Saturday with Party at the Plaza.

The pre-game tailgating celebration on Centennial Plaza will include face painting, cotton candy, snow cones, inflatable bump-and-jump games and a free photo booth sponsored by the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association. Chartwells will serve a picnic-style buffet at Centennial Plaza for $6 between 4:30-6 p.m.

Preparations for the Family Day football game will ramp up at 5:15 p.m. when the Arkansas Tech Cheerleaders, the Arkansas Tech Golden Girls dance team and the Arkansas Tech Marching Band lead a pep rally on Centennial Plaza.

Kickoff for the Great American Conference football game between Arkansas Tech and Henderson State is set for 6 p.m. Tickets will be available at the Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field ticket office.

For more information about Arkansas Tech University Family Day 2012, call 968-0239.